In this week's episode of The Frontline, Nathan talks about how a new bill by Senator Glazer places a new tax on tech companies to start a new government funded program for journalists. This bill will affect how journalism operates in California. The influence of journalism on the public perception of homeschooling is powerful, and we must remain aware of how homeschooling and parental rights are being represented to the general public.

Nathan also talks about the upcoming CHEA Convention on May 9-11. Check out FPM's event page for more details.

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan talks about the concept of school choice and education savings accounts. He explains that school choice refers to government-funded programs that provide alternative education options outside of traditional public schools. The term 'education savings accounts' (ESAs) can have different meanings depending on the context, such as individuals putting their own money into a government-controlled account or the government providing funds for education.

Nathan highlights the confusion and controversy surrounding these terms and emphasizes the need to understand the specific context when discussing them. He also mentions two articles that provide further information on the topic. Overall, FPM urges parents to consider the range of educational options already available and to carefully evaluate the trade-offs between freedom and government funding in school choice discussions. Government money always comes with government control, and we must be wary of false funding promises that threaten homeschool freedoms.

Links

Should we take government money: https://fpmca.org/takegovt/

The reality of school choice: https://fpmca.org/govtfunds/

Homeschool Backgrounder on School Choice: https://homeschoolingbackgrounder.com/school-choice-expensive-ineffective-damaging-with-resource-restrictions-and-parent-dissatisfaction/

NHERI Article on School Choice: https://www.nheri.org/private-education-welfare-school-choice-and-tax-funded-esas-vouchers-and-refunds/

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan provides a legislative update and discusses several bills. This week, we are focusing on two kindergarten bills (AB 2226 and SB 1056) that mandate kindergarten prior to entry into first grade in public schools. However, these bills do not apply to private homeschooling or private school enrollment thanks to FPM's amendment language. Nathan also mentions AB 2998, which allows students on public school campuses to carry drugs to reverse opioid overdose. He also talks about AB 1864, which clarifies pesticide use near schools and homes.

Finally, don't forget to visit the FPM's website (https://fpmca.org) for more articles and information on upcoming events, including a training session on engaging in local district office visits. The importance of homeschool families engaging with legislators at the local level cannot be overstated. You are the best defenders that homeschooling has available!

Webinar Registration: https://cheaofca.regfox.com/district-visits-101-from-advocacy-to-action

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses an opinion piece written in USA Today regarding homeschooling and the need to regulate it in order to prevent abuse. Nathan discusses some of the findings of researchers such as Dr. Ray and Dr. Shaquille regarding the likelihood of abuse in a homeschooling setting. Their findings directly contradict the dubious claims made in this opinion piece, and show the folly in focusing on homeschooling as "hotbed" of maltreatment of students instead of focusing on situations where abuse is much more common such as in the public school system. For more information on what Nathan discussed today, check out the links below:

USA Today article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/04/04/homeschooling-child-abuse-reporting-laws/73178861007/

NHERI: https://www.nheri.org/

HSLDA: https://hslda.org/

US Department of Ed: https://www.ed.gov/

FPM Advocacy Webinar Registration: https://cheaofca.regfox.com/district-visits-101-from-advocacy-to-action

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses the facts of AB 659 and what it means for private school administrators and homeschooling parents. There is a great deal of confusion about what this bill does. Is it a vaccine mandate? Who does this bill apply to? How do I make sure I comply?

Nathan answers all these questions and more in this Q&A episode of The Frontline. You can also find a summary of this bill's effects on our website at the link below.

AB 659 FAQ: https://fpmca.org/2024/04/04/ab659/

Upcoming Events: https://fpmca.org/events/

FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/

The HiSET, formerly known as the CHSPE, is a proficiency exam that homeschool graduates in California can take. While it is not mandatory, it can be helpful for homeschool graduates who face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs. Recently, an HSLDA member family encountered a problem when trying to register for the HiSET. They received an automated message stating that they needed accredited transcripts from a public school, which was not required by law. HSLDA sent a legal letter citing relevant court cases and the family's homeschool transcripts, resulting in the California Department of Education updating their registration process to include homeschoolers. This outcome is seen as a victory for homeschooling rights in California. HSLDA also shared another example of successfully challenging a requirement for accredited diplomas for phlebotomy licenses. The work of HSLDA, CHEA and Family Protection Ministries in California is crucial in defending homeschooling freedoms.

Why do homeschool graduates in California face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs?

Homeschool graduates in California face discrimination when applying to colleges or state jobs because some institutions may not recognize homeschool diplomas as equivalent to traditional high school diplomas. This can create challenges for homeschool graduates who want to pursue higher education or certain careers. However, taking the HiSET exam can help homeschool graduates demonstrate diploma equivalency and potentially overcome this discrimination.

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan offers some encouragement in times of persecution found in Psalm 18. He also gives an overview of some of the bills that FPM is dealing with currently, including bills dealing with mandatory kindergarten, minor consent to medical care, and school drinking water. These new bills address similar issues to bills we have dealt with in the prior year of this session, and we will notify you of any imminent threats to homeschooling or parental rights if they arise.

To follow the most recent updates with these and other bills, check out our bill tracker at https://fpmca.org/billtracker

In this episode of the Frontline, get an inside look at some clips of our 2024 Capitol Day speakers. You can hear pieces of the speakers' larger discussions during FPM's training day before visiting the State Capitol the following morning.

In this episode of The Frontline, Nathan discusses legislative issues in California, focusing on bills related to mandatory kindergarten and minors' consent to medical care. Additionally, Nathan discusses the definition of "school of record" for those considering dual enrollment here in California. To learn more, visit the link to our article below.

We here at FPM need prayer for wisdom in analyzing and understanding the many bills we are dealing with. Don't forget to sign up for FPM's email alerts to take action to protect family and homeschooling freedoms in California when the need inevitably arises. You can check out our daily-updated bill tracker on our website at the link below to stay up to date on legislation.

School of Record Article: https://fpmca.org/2024/02/27/understanding-school-of-record/

FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/

Charter School Article: https://fpmca.org/california-chart-schools-what-the-law-says-pertaining-to-religious-instruction/

In this episode of the Frontline, Nathan discusses four key words: detect, analyze, monitor, and intervene. These words describe how Family Protection Ministries engages in legislation that impacts the family. They detect problematic bills, analyze their impact, monitor their progress, and intervene by proposing amendments or changes to the bills. Nathan and staff also work with legislators and committee staff to ensure their proposed amendments align with other proposed changes. Currently, we here at FPM are reviewing a large number of bills that have been introduced in the legislature as the introduction deadline arrives.

Links:

CHEA Con 2024: https://www.cheaofca.org/convention/2024-general-info/

The Legislative Process: https://fpmca.org/life-cycle-of-legislation/

FPM Bill Tracker: https://fpmca.org/billtracker/